Dallas, Texas, December 16, 2025
The Dallas Stars are exploring options for a new arena to enhance their financial stability and fan experience, evaluating suburban locations including Plano and Frisco. The team aims to create a mixed-use entertainment district to generate revenue year-round while seeking greater control over commercial activities. Discussions with the city of Dallas continue regarding lease renewal at their current location, the American Airlines Center, which expires in 2031. The development proposal reflects the Stars’ desire for a dedicated environment aligned with their brand and goals.
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Stars are actively exploring the construction of a new arena, aiming to enhance their financial stability and fan experience. This initiative comes as the team evaluates potential sites, including Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth, in anticipation of their lease expiration at the American Airlines Center (AAC) in 2031.
Financial Strategy and Mixed-Use Development
Central to the Stars’ proposal is the creation of a mixed-use entertainment district surrounding the new arena. This development would encompass restaurants, retail spaces, hotels, apartments, and offices, generating year-round revenue streams independent of on-ice performance. Such a model has proven successful for other franchises; for instance, the Atlanta Braves’ The Battery Atlanta reported a significant increase in mixed-use development revenue.
Ownership and Revenue Control
Currently, the Stars do not own the real estate surrounding the AAC, limiting their ability to capitalize on adjacent commercial activities. By developing a new arena with an integrated entertainment district, the team seeks greater control over revenue-generating assets, including advertising, dining, and retail operations. This approach aims to provide a more immersive fan experience and secure financial sustainability.
Considerations and Next Steps
While the Stars are considering relocating to a new venue, they have not ruled out remaining at the AAC beyond 2031. Discussions with the city of Dallas are ongoing, focusing on potential lease renegotiations and the possibility of staying at the current location. The team is also evaluating various suburban sites, with Plano emerging as a leading candidate due to its proximity to the team’s existing facilities and potential for development.
Background Context
The Stars have been tenants at the AAC since its opening in 2001. The arena, shared with the Dallas Mavericks, has undergone significant upgrades over the years. However, with the Mavericks expressing intentions to build a new, basketball-specific arena, the dynamics of the shared facility may alter. The Stars’ exploration of a new arena reflects their desire for greater autonomy and the ability to create a dedicated environment that aligns with their brand and operational goals.
Conclusion
The Dallas Stars’ pursuit of a new arena underscores their commitment to enhancing financial performance and providing an enriched fan experience. By integrating a mixed-use entertainment district, the team aims to establish a sustainable revenue model and a dedicated home that reflects their identity and aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Dallas Stars’ plan for a new arena?
The Dallas Stars are exploring the construction of a new arena with an integrated mixed-use entertainment district, including restaurants, retail spaces, hotels, apartments, and offices, to generate year-round revenue streams and enhance the fan experience.
Why are the Stars considering moving from the American Airlines Center?
The team seeks greater control over revenue-generating assets and aims to create a dedicated environment that aligns with their brand and operational goals, which is challenging under the current lease at the AAC.
What are the potential locations for the new arena?
The Stars are evaluating several suburban sites, including Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth, with Plano emerging as a leading candidate due to its proximity to the team’s existing facilities and potential for development.
What is the timeline for the new arena?
The Stars’ lease at the AAC expires in 2031. The team is considering a move to a new venue before then, with plans to begin construction in 2028 or 2029 to be ready for the 2031-32 season.
How does the mixed-use development model benefit the Stars?
By integrating a mixed-use entertainment district, the Stars aim to establish a sustainable revenue model independent of on-ice performance, providing financial stability and an enriched fan experience.
Key Features of the Dallas Stars’ Arena Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mixed-Use Entertainment District | Incorporation of restaurants, retail spaces, hotels, apartments, and offices to generate year-round revenue streams. |
| Ownership and Revenue Control | Greater control over revenue-generating assets, including advertising, dining, and retail operations, to enhance financial stability. |
| Potential Locations | Evaluation of suburban sites such as Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth, with Plano emerging as a leading candidate. |
| Timeline | Consideration of a move to a new venue before the lease expiration in 2031, with construction plans to begin in 2028 or 2029 to be ready for the 2031-32 season. |
| Background | Current lease at the AAC expires in 2031; Mavericks plan to build a new, basketball-specific arena, prompting the Stars to explore alternative venues. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Stars Consider Relocation to Plano for Financial Growth
Dallas Unveils Memorial Auditorium Arena for the Dallas Wings
Dallas Stars Extend Point Streak with 4-1 Win Over Sharks
Dallas Restaurants Shine in Michelin Guide
Dallas Legal Dispute Between Stars and Mavericks Over Arena Delayed
Paige Bueckers Connects with UConn Basketball Legends in Dallas
AT&T Stadium Ranked Most Iconic Venue for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Dallas Stars Dominate Ottawa Senators with 6-1 Victory
UT Tyler Women’s Basketball Sets New Program Records
Dallas City Council Backs $23.5 Million Mixed-Use Development Project
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
